Page 54 of The Prince's Fealty

“Wecouldgo with you,” Stronex offered just once, out of hearing of his children, dark-eyed gaze intent on hers.

She shook her head. “I want you to stay here with the children, where they’re definitely safe. I wouldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to them, and we don’t know what the threat is yet.”

He considered her for a long moment, like he was going to override her and come anyway, but then he inclined his head, and that was that.

In the morning, they were ready to go. Hena, Par, and Ada all cried, hugged a lot, and promised that they’d love one another forever and see one another soon. Then King Stronex scooped up his children, one in each arm, despite the fact that Par was almost too big for it. They clung to him, and he looked big and strong and… definitely not anything that she was thinking about.

She turned to Solil. He was only a few years younger than Thurnil and couldn’t be more different than his brother. She’d never met anyone who was as easygoing as Sol. Hewas tall and thin where his brother was more solid. Ada assumed they’d wound up with their mother’s coloring—though Ada had never met her, since she’d died during the war. They were both lighter-skinned than their father or their half siblings, but not as pale as Ada.

“Be safe,” he told her, his brown eyes earnest. “Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.”

She hugged him. “Thank you. I will.”

Thurnil clapped Sol on the back, patted Hena and Par on the shoulders, and nodded at his father.

For a moment, Ada couldn’t bring herself to pull away. She wanted to stay or demand after all that yes, they should all travel together.

But that was a needless risk, and it was more important that her little siblings-in-law stayed safe than that Ada didn’t feel terrible leaving them.

Thurnil actually patted her on the arm.

“We’d better go. It will only get worse if we drag this out.”

Firming her resolve, Ada wrenched herself away and climbed into the carriage. Thurnil had elected to ride, stating that he wanted to be aware of their surroundings like the guards. To keep the peace, Ada had declined to mention that it would make more sense forherto be aware of their surroundings, since she was the only one present who could shield them. But the whole point of this carriage was protection, and Ada tried to suppress some of her worry by thinking how outraged Tor would be when he heard that she’d been forced to travel this way.

It took five days to reach Fila, which was about four and a half days too long as far as Ada was concerned. Her entire body ached, but she’d been the one to insist they move as quickly as possible. They changed horses regularly, stayed in modest inns, and didn’t waste any time. Everyone was on high alert, including Ada, much good as it did her, meaning that it was with great relief that they arrived at King Nostex’s castle.

The building was practically ringed with guards, but they were clearly expecting Ada, Thurnil, and the contingent of guards, because they were allowed in immediately. Ada refused to get cleaned up and just demanded to be taken to her family.

She left most of the guards to get settled in the new location and get some sleep, but two of them trailed after them as she and Thurnil were escorted to a sitting room where Fernila was reading a book while Cala slept beside her.

Ada’s sister-in-law looked not quite as put-together as she usually did. Her red hair was done up, but the braids coiled around her head weren’t very elaborate, and wisps had escaped around her face.

The Lotaran guards went first and made sure the room was safe, though Ada couldn’t imagine what they were looking for. What had King Stronex told them?

Thurnil looked faintly annoyed and told them to wait outside—and then wouldn’t take no for an answer.

His tone was acid. “We are in King Nostex’s castle now. Unless you’re worried that the High Queen or I pose a danger to Princess Adexa? Or perhaps the baby?” He glared. “I didn’t think so. Now, let’s not start a diplomatic incident.”

“But, Your Highness, we were ordered—”

Thurnil escorted them out himself.

Ada cast Fernila an apologetic look. “We’ve all been a bit on edge.”

The redheaded woman jumped to her feet and came over to give Ada a hug.

“Oh, Adexa, I’m so glad you’re here!” She began to cry. “You don’t know how terrible it’s been.”

“Where’s Var?” Ada asked, pulling back as alarm filled her. Up close, Ada could see that her sister-in-law looked pale and worried. “Is everything all right?”

Fernila appeared to be trying to get herself under control. “Var’s looking through the collection with Father. He’s fine. I’ll send word that you’re here. I’m sure Var will want to know right away. He’s been so worried!”

She went to the door and asked one of the guards to relay the message, as well as bring some refreshments for Ada and Thurnil.

Since Ada’s stomach took that moment to grumble, it was useless to argue that she wasn’t hungry. She’d been too anxious to eat well on most of the journey, and apparently, her stomach was now rebelling.

“What’s going on?” she demanded.